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Lee Levitz Obituary

Lee Levitz 2/22/1923 - 1/1/2013 Lee Levitz, a Tucson Icon and television & radio personality, died on New Year's Day in her home of natural causes surrounded by loved ones. Lee was one of the owners of Sam Levitz Furniture which is owned and operated by her son Sam R. Levitz. Lee was married for 42 years to Sam Levitz, the creator of the "Warehouse Direct To You" concept of retailing. He died in 2005. Mrs. Levitz, who was known as Lee, was born Frances Lee LaBelle DeWade in St. Louis, Missouri, oldest of 4 children. At age 4 she started school in a 1 room country school taught by her Aunt, entering College at 15. At 12 she had her own radio show performing as a country singer, was a top model at the Ford modeling agency, a Coca-Cola girl in the mid-fifties, a stand in for Marilyn Monroe, and hostess of a live TV talk and variety show and a children's show. She moved to Phoenix, Az. in 1951. In 1964 she moved to Tucson as Sam Levitz' bride becoming active in the family's furniture business, as head of marketing and advertising and as the company spokesperson. Generations of Tucsonan's grew up watching Lee on TV with her positive energy, great smile and true professionalism. Lee loved the outdoors, was an accomplished watercolor artist, guitarist, world class hunter, multiengine instrument rated private airplane pilot and a devoted and loving wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother. She loved her dogs and raised championship Cocker Spaniels and Shar-Peis. Lee always had time to help and the heart to heal when someone was in need with her beautiful "light up the room" smile and encouraging words. Lee was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Sam, his son, Saylor (Shirley) Levitz and her twin daughters Joanne and Joyce. She is survived by her brother, Clarence DeWade, her daughters, Sherry (Ed) Stewart, Kandie (Drew) Vactor, Suzanne (Ron) Payton, Kathi Levitz (Chuck) Peters, and her sons Sam R. (Valerie) Levitz and Andy Levitz. Fourteen Grandchildren include Kathryn Levitz (Fred) Greene, Charlotte Watson, Jennifer (Mark Arsenault) Levitz, Milissa Easter, Cheynne Easter Copeland, Elissa Levitz (Marvin) David, Saundra Levitz, Lindsay Levitz (Brendan) Burke, Amber Levitz, Kelly (Nate) Peper, Michael Payton, Robert Levitz, Andrew Levitz and Aaron Levitz. Ten Great-Grandchildren include Ken Easter Copeland, Thomas Corso, Roxanne Copeland, Jessica Gilbert, Leandra Easter, Jake Copeland, Kali David, Julia David, Sidney Greene, and Avery David. We give our special thanks to her wonderful team of exceptional caregivers: Sherry Yvonne, Nancie, Patricia, Stephanie, Christina and Tom for making her life happy and comfortable. The family will have a private service and burial. The family requests that In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to StepUpTLC.org a 501(c)3 charity founded by one of Lee's caregivers focusing on bringing smiles and fostering therapeutic healing to children and adults with special needs, at risk youth, elderly/senior groups and the terminally ill.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Press-Enterprise from Jan. 4 to Jan. 7, 2013.

Memories and Condolences
for Lee Levitz

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Stephen Insalaco

January 14, 2025

I rember Lee and Sam Levitz, as I use to fuel their airplane as a linemen in my 20s at Tucson International Airport. Nicest people going around, as they always treated me with respect. Lee's smile and personality were immensely warm.

JoAnna Davis

February 20, 2013

Lee and Sam were always so good to us. They were generous and sociable hosts. I always enjoyed playing with the dogs!

January 10, 2013

I remember her and her husband, very nice people and nice furniture. I thought she was a very pretty women. Rest In Peace. I'm sorry for your loss.

Gilbert Leon

January 10, 2013

Kathie,
I am so sorry for your loss. She will be missed. May God grant both you and your family peace.

Donna Frost

January 10, 2013

I'm very saddened by the death of your mother and grandmother. She always brightened up anywhere she happened to be and was a most caring and loving person. She touched many lives in many wonderful ways!

Marilyn Vinson

January 7, 2013

I am very sorry for your loss. Many of us in the Shar-Pei community remember Lee with fondness. She always gave so geneously of herself to her beloved breed.

Lynn & Mike Murphy

January 7, 2013

Kandie and Drew - We're so sorry for the loss of your mother. Too many losses in such a short time. We send our sincerest sympathy and love to you and your family.

Nina Ossanna

January 6, 2013

I'm sorry to hear of Lee's passing. During the '70's I worked as a 'puller' on the fields at Phx Trap & Skeet during high school and early college. Lee, Sam and Sam Jr would come up for shoots. They were always so gracious and nice - even to us staff workers. I still remember their classiness and kindness after all these years. My condolences to the family.

Seymour & Helen Levy

January 6, 2013

We first knew Lee when I worked at the Safari Club International's Tucson Office. Lee was an active member of the club and was always pleasant and delightful. She was a great hunter and excellent marksman. Lee will always hold a very special place in our hearts.

Jennifer Moore

January 6, 2013

May the Lord bless all of you at this time. Mr and Mrs Levitz introduced me to the wonderful world of furniture and the best career - Procurement. I will never forget her wonderful smile, words of kindness and sincere love of animals.

Susanne (Ortega Collins

January 5, 2013

Valerie I'm so sorry for your loss. Please know that you and your family are in my prayers. God Bless you all.

January 5, 2013

Kandi, I thought your Mother was a bright light in Tucson, Charlie ODowd

January 5, 2013

Dear Sam, I am deeply sorry to hear of the passing of your lovely mother.I feel tremendeously blessed to have met her.My prayers and thoughts will be with you and your family.
With love,Cheri Ory

Alice Pribonic-Smith

January 4, 2013

I can remember Ms. Lee and Mr. Sam coming to the skeet range back in the late 70's early 80's...she was a wonderful woman..I really enjoyed talking with her..I even still have my hope chest that I received for graduation in 83'... May your memories bring you comfort during these difficult times

duane gibson

January 4, 2013

I never had the privledge of meeting her but she was one of the most amazing people on TV in Tucson History. I moved from Tucson to the White Mts in 2001 and thus have missed what I loved about Tucson. Sincerely
Duane Gibson.
I can't seem to light a candle on this page but will do a separate one for that.

Mark Bahti

January 4, 2013

The last time I spoke with her was last year as she was leaving Vivace and she still had the same charm, kindness and spirit as when I first met her at my father's shop nearly 50 years ago. She will be missed my many...she and Sam were a part of Tucson.

Alison Tibbals

January 4, 2013

In the late 9170's Lee came into a health food store I briefly worked at. In her charming way, as she collected all the vitamins she wanted, she told us the secret of staying healthy and young.........eat well and take care of yourself.....She sure did. It was a delight seeing this beautiful 'older' woman who was so vibrant. I'm sure I am older now that she was, and wish I looked as glowing. She was one of a kind.

Blanch Marmion Milligan

January 4, 2013

Mrs Levitz and I used to go to the Flamingo Beauty Salon 1968. Beautiful lady so down to earth. May she rest in peace

Louise Sullivan

January 4, 2013

Kandie and Drew ~ I am so sorry for the loss of your Mom Lee Levitz. Much love, Louise

Patty White

January 4, 2013

Kandi and Drew and family I am so sorry to hear of your mother passing my her angel wings always hold you close to her my love and prayers go out to all of you. Kandi and Drew this is Patty use to work with Carol at Pinehurst properties

Sydria Wittenberg

January 4, 2013

I had the privilege of meeting Mrs. Levitz on many occasions what a wonderful, classy women she was. My condolences to her family.

Carol Frahm

January 4, 2013

Missy, I never realized how much you look like your grandma until I saw this particular picture. Please accept our sympathies - Carol, Eric, Patrick, Nikki & Bailey Frahm. You can reach me at [email protected]

January 4, 2013

Lee was in my fashion shows for Tucson Museum of Art she was very generous! Lee cut her Radio spots at our stations. Norma Slone

Cathy Green

January 4, 2013

I first met Lee in late 1979 or early 1980 when I went into TV sales. Her beautiful eyes and smile always lit up a room. I last saw her at lunch six or seven years ago. She was with Kandie and I re introduced myself since I had not seen her in many years. Her eyes lit up and that beautiful smile crossed her face. I am so fortunate to have known her and now have been working with Kathi for many years. I know her eyes are shining brightly and that beautiful smile is beaming now that she is with Sam and those family members who passed prior. My thoughts and prayers to the family. Love,

Cyndi Foster

January 4, 2013

I am so very sad to read this. Both Sam & Lee were good to us when we were first starting our local delivery service. We would bring furniture from the manufactures in Phoenix to your stores here in Tucson. They built their business believing in Tucson First. She has gone home to be with Sam. I am so sorry for the pain that you all must be feeling. May God wrap His loving and healing arms around you and bring you comfort in the wonderful memories that they shared with each of you.

Marty Meeks

January 4, 2013

Such a vivacious lady!! Words cannot express our loss.

Tom Hervey

January 4, 2013

We all have mentors in life who take an interest in us, and by doing so, change our lives in highly positive ways. I feel blessed that I called on Lee as a young TV account rep. She became my client, then my friend, and finally a person who I could go to for her sage wisdom. She was talented, beautiful, wise, thoughtful, and always full of life. I moved out of Tucson over 20 years ago, but I never forgot the friendship I had with this lovely lady. I will always cherish the life lessons she shared with me in those times, and think of her with respect and fondness. God bless her family at this time.

Bea Mireles

January 4, 2013

There are no words that can fill the emptininess in your heart...but perhapes it will help to know others care.My heartfelt understanding and sympathy.

January 4, 2013

I have wonderful memories of Mrs. Levitz enjoying the music of the trio I played with. She loved music and always had a smile! She was so generous and happy. I send my sincere sympathy to the family. Sincerely, Dr. Russ J. Andaloro

Pat Ball

January 4, 2013

Condolences to the Lee Levitz family. She was an angel; may she rest in peace now.

Linda Lazzeroni

January 4, 2013

I met Ms. Levitz at a local restaurant about 5 years ago. We struck up a conversation and share a dessert. She was classy and I felt honored for those few minutes shared with her.

January 4, 2013

Condolences to the Levitz Family. Lee was always ready with a smile. R.I.P.

January 4, 2013

My Condolences to Lee Levitz family, may she rest in peace. God Bless her and her family.

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